PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Tonight’s gig at the Craufurd arms is another visit from Canadian band Sumo Cyco. Support tonight comes from Uk band Skarlett riot. For this tour they’re without their usual bassist, Martin Shepherd so have got Tim Chambers from Sister Shotgun helping them out by taking his place till his return.
Skarlett riot are a band I’ve seen quite a few times over the last 6 years having first seen them on the Jagermeister stage at Bloodstock open air in 2012. They impressed me then and over the years have steadily grown better and better. Their latest album, Regenerate, is their best work yet (it’s certainly their heaviest) and combines alternative rock with metalcore, but it’s live where they’re at their best. Chloe’s voice is stronger than ever and she’s got a great stage presence and has mastered the skill of working a crowd. Temporary bass player Tim Chambers has fitted in perfectly and if it was your first time seeing the band you’d have no idea that he’s only been with them a few days – everything is so natural he looks like he’s been with them for years. It’s a great set – the band tour a lot and that shows in how tight they are musically, and how at home they look on stage. A great start to the night.
Next up was Sumo Cyco. They’re a band that is hard to describe as they certainly don’t fit in any neat genre. The best I can describe them as is hard rock plus punk meets Skindred – an appropriate description since they got Benji from Skindred to guest on one of the songs on their last album. It’s loud, heavy but above all, Fun. Frontwoman Skye is a blur of energy as she bounces around the stage, never staying still for long. They really are one of those bands where you can’t fail to have fun watching them.
The set is split fairly evenly between the first and second albums, and it’s packed with great songs. It’s high energy, both musically and in terms of their stage performance, Skye’s on particular. Sumo Cyco are a band I have seen several times and always enjoy. A great set from a great band.
Tonight’s gig was one of those shows you hope every gig will be like with both headliner and support playing a decent length set and both being extremely good and enjoyable. A great night.
